MAIN opposition MDC Alliance party and the ruling Zanu PF
have rekindled their rivalry ahead of the Shurugwi South ward six by-election
set for December 14.
The council seat fell vacant following the death of
councillor Edmond Chitera (Zanu PF) early this year. Zanu PF controls Shurugwi
South constituency through its MP Edmund Mukaratigwa.
The by-election will be the first to be held in the
Midlands after the 2018 general elections and will go a long way in revealing
the current political atmosphere in Shurugwi.
On Thursday last week, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
held the nomination court at Tongogara Rural District Council to select
candidates who will contest in the by-election. Edward Chitera Junior, son of
the deceased councillor was duly nominated to represent Zanu PF, while Mary
Choga was declared candidate for Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance. Fringe
political parties stayed away from the race.
In separate interviews with Southern Eye after the
nomination court, both candidates expressed confidence of grabbing the seat.
Chitera said although Zanu PF is yet to roll out campaign
programmes in the ward, he is confident of victory.
“We are still waiting for our party leaders to spell out
the campaign path. So at the moment we have not started campaigning. However, I
am confident of winning the election. I will share more information when I have
been cleared to do so by our party leaders,” he said.
Choga also expressed hope of winning the by-election and
spruce up chances of the MDC Alliance clinching the parliamentary seat in 2023.
“I am a dedicated lady who will push for equal
opportunities in moving towards 50-50 representation at all levels of
governance in Shurugwi once I am elected. My other wish is to ensure equitable
distribution of government food aid. If elected I will also be pushing for
availability of clean and potable water in the ward through the sinking of
boreholes by the rural district council,” the MDC Alliance candidate said.
“We also need upgrading of roads to lure more bus operators
in the rural area because transport companies are shunning us at the moment. If
elected I will be also pushing for a primary school at Zvamatenga turn-off to
reduce the distance being covered by pupils to a learning institution. We also
need to see the setting up of a clinic at China Gansu to ensure no one travels
more than 10km to the nearest clinic. Mothers are currently giving birth in
huts or at bus stops due to the long distances to Shurugwi District Hospital at
Chachacha. This is what I offer as a candidate.” Newsday
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